Federal Agencies Involved in Laramie Arson Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms have joined the investigation of the fire that took place at the Albany County Republican Party headquarters located at 214 Ivinson Street.

Steven Morgan of the Laramie Police Department has confirmed that officials are investigating the fire as an arson, and that the FBI and ATF are working with the Laramie Police Department to determine whether the office was targeted for political reasons.

"The law enforcement community is working cooperatively, and because it's an investigation in progress, information will only be released when we have something substantial to report," Morgan said.

According to a press release from Shift Commander Kevin Lam, the Laramie Fire Department got a call about a structure fire at 3:25 a.m. After fire fighters arrived on the scene at 3:29 a.m., they found a fire in the first-floor office area. It was extinguished by 3:35 a.m., but the structure had already been affected by heat and smoke damage. One occupant was evacuated from an apartment on the second floor, but there were no injuries reported.

Congresswoman Liz Cheney has released a statement about the fire in which she thanks the responders and adds, "as an investigation proceeds into the circumstances surrounding the fire, we should all pause to remember that the future of our nation depends on our ability to exchange ideas and viewpoints, to argue and debate, free from violence and intimidation. Citizens across our state, and across the spectrum of political viewpoints, work hard every day to fight for our communities, our values and the causes we hold dear. There is never any excuse for resorting to violent attacks to thwart these efforts or silence speech."